The scheme administrator for the UK’s extended producer responsibility scheme for packaging, PackUK, has been announced ahead of the administrators formal launch on 21 January.
PackUK will implement the UK’s new Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) programme.
The EPR Statutory Instrument came into force on 1 January.
PackUK will set and raise pEPR fees paid by obligated producers, and make packaging waste disposal payments to local authorities in return for the delivery of collection and recycling services.
PackUK will also be responsible for public communications and information campaigns that encourage the correct disposal of packaging waste.
The scheme administrator is a Defra hosted function working across all four UK nations, but will be referred to as PecynUK in Wales.
These are huge steps forward in terms of the clear responsibility of producers for the stewardship and recycling of materials placed on the market…
PackUK’s design and set-up has been overseen by an industry-led steering group, chaired by Sebastian Munden (former chief executive of Unilever UK and Ireland).
As part of PackUK’s work, it will collaborate with packaging producers to appoint a new Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO).
The scheme administrator says it has established a codesign process to take the PRO forward, involving members of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), local authorities, and other representatives from across the value chain.
To mark its launch, PackUK will be at the Packaging Innovations Birmingham from 12 to 13 February 2025.
Seb Munden (former CEO of Unilever) will be hosting the initial launch session on the central circular economy stage. Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh will then chair a panel hosting key value chain voices.
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) reacts
Dan Cooke, Director of Policy, Communications and External Affairs at CIWM, said: “The launch from 21 Jan of PackUK will be a timely and welcome milestone moment in UK recycling, resources and wastes management. Government, Defra and the sectors involved should be applauded for seeing this through.
“These are huge steps forward in terms of the clear responsibility of producers for the stewardship and recycling of materials placed on the market, and the direct financial link now established between them and the local authorities and their service providers who collect and recycle the materials.
“If successful, this will overcome the flatlining of our recycling performance and enable billions of pounds of investment and significant job creation in our vital sector.
“It should also, especially when combined with the other RWS reforms in play, unleash and incentivise innovation in the packaging world, driving waste prevention, reuse and greater resource efficiency.
“CIWM members will be at the forefront of this work as we all strive towards a more circular economy.”
